San Gaspar Mexican Restaurant Reopens After Fire

After a long struggle, Valentin and Martha Reynoso have reopened Restaurant San Gaspar, the Mexican eatery at East 14th Street and Broadmoor Boulevard that was closed by a fire two years ago.

"It's like starting from zero again," said Valentin Reynoso, posing with cook Perdro Anguioa in the newly-remodeled restaurant.

San Gaspar first opened in 1998, said Reynoso, who lives just a couple of blocks away from his business.

The restaurant went up in flames on June 8, 2010. Fire investigators told him that the blaze was probably caused by a faulty refrigerator that shorted out.

The fire was just the beginning of the headaches.

Reynoso said the insurance company was slow to pay and his first contractor took his money but didn't perform. That matter is in litigation.

"I basically finished the job myself," Reynoso said.

The results are impressive. The interior is clean and well lit. The red tables add a hint of Mexican decor.

Grand reopening signs went up June 30. Locals who have dined there have raved.

"The food was delicious last night!" wrote Karen Diaz on the Broadmoor email list a day after the reopening.

Gayle Hudson concurred, writing that:

"We had lunch at San Gaspar today, which opened yesterday. The dining area is much improved with an open plan and salsa bar.  I believe there were more selections on the menu along with old favorites. The prices appear to be the same. Very friendly wait staff and the restaurant was busy so the word is out."

Help spread the news that a locally-owned favorite is back.

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